Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
In which type of blood vessel does the exchange of materials between the blood and body cells primarily occur?
A
Venules
B
Capillaries
C
Veins
D
Arteries
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the function of each type of blood vessel: Arteries carry blood away from the heart, veins return blood to the heart, venules are small vessels that connect capillaries to veins, and capillaries are tiny vessels where exchange occurs.
Recognize that capillaries have thin walls composed of a single layer of endothelial cells, which allow for the diffusion of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and surrounding tissues.
Consider the structure of arteries and veins: Arteries have thick muscular walls to withstand high pressure, and veins have valves to prevent backflow, neither of which are specialized for material exchange.
Note that venules are involved in collecting blood from capillaries but do not play a primary role in the exchange of materials.
Conclude that capillaries are the primary site for the exchange of materials between the blood and body cells due to their specialized structure and function.